Imagine this: a simple blood test in an ambulance could instantly identify the type of stroke a person is having. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, thanks to new research, this could soon become a reality!
There are two main types of strokes:
- Hemorrhagic (bleeding in the brain)
- Ischemic (blocked artery)
Right now, doctors need a hospital CT scan to know the difference. But this test looks for a protein called GFAP in the blood. High levels mean bleeding (hemorrhagic), while low levels mean a blockage (ischemic).
How it works:
- Blood is drawn in the ambulance
- A handheld device checks GFAP levels
- Treatment can start right away
Why it matters:
Faster stroke treatment can save lives and prevent brain damage. If it’s an ischemic stroke, clot-busting drugs could be given immediately. If it’s a hemorrhagic stroke, doctors can control bleeding faster.
This test isn’t in ambulances yet, but bigger studies are on the way. If it works, it could change stroke care forever.
